NICHOLAS IS IN NEED OF A LIVING KIDNEY DONOR
ABOUT NICHOLAS
Nicholas was born with a multicystic kidney; his right kidney had no function, and his left kidney operated at 70%. His family diligently managed his diet and kidney care, and he was doing well for some time. However, as he progressed through adolescence, the function of his left kidney decreased to 30%. At the start of this year, Nicholas and his family learned that he would need to have a kidney transplant.
WE NEED TO FIND A LIVING DONOR
Although Nicholas’ family members are eager to be his donor and have attempted to complete testing, many face health issues that disqualify them from donating. As a result, Nicholas and his family are reaching out to everyone they know, hoping that someone will hear Nicholas’ story and decide to step forward to help save his life.
who is eligible to donate?
Nicholas is extremely lucky to have secured highly qualified medical help and support from the team at Northwestern Medicine. He wants any interested persons to know that they will be in exceptional hands should they decide to step forward. Northwestern Medicine has shared the following as a pre-qualification list for donation:
- Must be in good physical and mental health.
- Must be at least 18 years old.
- Must have a body mass index (BMI) that is less than 35.
- Must be free from the following: uncontrolled high blood pressure, diabetes, active cancer, active infection, certain other medical conditions as determined by the medical team.
You Can Help Save Nicholas' Life!
Are You Interested In Donating?
If you are interested in becoming Nicholas' living donor, please complete the short contact form below and a GiftWorks' Living Donor Navigator will reach out in 1 business day.
HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT DONATING?
Having questions is normal. Please complete the short contact form below for all non-medical questions. If you have medical questions, please contact the Northwestern Medicine Living Donor Team (Kidney) by emailing nmlivingdonor@nm.org.
No, but i want to help!
Thank you! The best way you can help is by spreading word about Nicholas' need for a living kidney donor. Whether you text this link to people you know, or share this site on your social media, your support will help us reach more people. The more people we can reach, the better chance Nicholas has of finding his lifesaving donor.
Kidney Transplant Facts
Here are some things you may not know that reflect the urgent need for kidney transplants and living donation. After considering the facts, you will see why living kidney donation is Nicholas’ best option for healing and living a full life.
THE WAITING LIST IS LONG
There are over 100,000 people on the kidney transplant waiting list in the U.S. On average, most people will wait 3-5 years before getting a kidney from a deceased donor.
NEW NAME EVERY 9 MINUTES
Each day, 17 people die waiting for a life-saving organ transplant and a new name is added to the transplant waiting list every 9 minutes.
THERE'S A KIDNEY SHORTAGE
The shortage of deceased kidneys for transplantation continues to be a public health crisis in the U.S.
LIVING DONORS HELP
5,700 living kidney donor surgeries occur annually in the U.S. and the vast majority of kidney donors know the person they donate to.
KIDNEYS ARE INCREDIBLE
When a person steps forward to donate a kidney, only one is removed and the other grows and increases its function so the body can operate normally.
SPEEDY RECOVERY
Living kidney donors are often able to return to work within 2 weeks, and fully heal within 6-8 weeks.
From Nicholas
“I am looking forward to graduating high school and going off to college. I want to be an engineer and I really want to participate in school athletics like swimming and track. Your gift would make all of this possible. I know it’s a tremendous ask, but I am hopeful. I know how to live a kidney friendly life and that he would take all the precautions to make sure that my donor’s kidney gives me many decades of life experiences.”
Questions & Answers
Despite trying to test, many of Nicholas' immediate family members cannot donate due to health concerns. This is why they are making sure people are aware of Nicholas' story and need. It’s important to know that, in some cases, the best living donor is one who is not a family member.
While Nicholas' insurance will provide coverage for the donor's testing and surgery, the donor needs to have their own health insurance in the rare event any unknown health issues come up for the donor.
While Nicholas' insurance covers all costs related to the donation (for Nicholas and the donor), there are expenses like travel, meals, and lost wages that his family can legally reimburse you for. There are also additional resources available to ensure you are not paying for anything out of pocket. We can provide more information about those resources upon request.
Living kidney donors are often able to return to work within 2 weeks, and fully heal within 6-8 weeks. After surgery, the donor’s remaining kidney will grow in size and function, allowing them to live normal life with just one kidney.
Northwestern Medicine has shared the following as a pre-qualification list for donation:
- Must be in good physical and mental health.
- Must be at least 18 years old.
- Must have a body mass index (BMI) that is less than 35.
- Must be free from the following: uncontrolled high blood pressure, diabetes, active cancer, active infection, certain other medical conditions as determined by the medical team.
